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Poly(ethene) and PVC are examples of addition polymers - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 37 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 37
Poly(ethene) and PVC are examples of addition polymers. Which statements are correct? 1. On combustion, PVC can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydroge... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Poly(ethene) and PVC are examples of addition polymers - CIE - A-Level Chemistry - Question 37 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
1. On combustion, PVC can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride.
Answer
This statement is correct. When PVC (polyvinyl chloride) combusts, it can produce harmful gases including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen chloride (HCl). The presence of chlorine in PVC contributes to the production of HCl, which is a toxic gas.
Step 2
2. When poly(ethene) is buried in a landfill site, it will not significantly biodegrade.
Answer
This statement is also correct. Poly(ethene), commonly known as polyethylene, is a synthetic polymer that does not biodegrade easily. In a landfill, it can persist for many years without significant breakdown, leading to environmental concerns regarding plastic waste.
Step 3
3. The empirical formula of an addition polymer is the same as that of the monomer.
Answer
This statement is incorrect. The empirical formula of an addition polymer can differ from the monomer due to the polymerization process, which results in the formation of long chains of repeating units while maintaining the original molecular formula. For example, the empirical formula of poly(ethene) (C2nH4n) differs from that of the ethene monomer (C2H4).